- Rise and rise of Vadivelu - There is something about this black genius. Vadivelu's ability to make comedy out of the most routine of things is outstanding. He was at his comic best in Imsai Arasan. This phenomenal rise of Vadivelu means that Vivek better watch out. Vadivelu slowly has started becoming as much class and mass that Vivek was just 2 years back.
- Dominance of Kerala Heroines - This according to me is a wonderful trend. The Bombay Bimbettes usually ended up being just that. There used to be no scope for them to act. These kind of heroines typically followed the 3 sentiment scenes + 1 introduction song + 4 romance scenes + 2 glamour (read exposing) scenes and then final scene in climax along with everybody. The Kerala heroines like Asin, Gopika, Sandhya really did bring a lot of character to their roles.
- Ghajini's Kalpana - It is kind of ironic that Surya's career got its biggest boost not only because of Surya's acting capabilities but also because of Asin's. Her portrayal of Kalpana, the naughty and likeable girl, in Ghajini definitely marks a landmark in what heroines could do on screen. More such please.
- Ajith's comeback - I am not the biggest fan of Ajith. But there is a sincerity in this man that appeals to me. I was happy that he was on the comeback trail with Paramasivam and Varalaaru. Frankly, I enjoyed the effeminate character that Ajith portrayed in Varalaaru. It showed the grit and determination that Ajith was holding on to. If he picks and chooses his movies carefully, then he can definitely dream on to become the next Superstar. (Except that I think Vijay is all set to reach there first!)
- Vetayadu Vilaiyadu - I am an avid opening scene buff. I generally love the opening scenes. Superstar movies are the best that way. Every entry of Superstar is fantastic. It generates its own appeal and hysteria. Kamal's openings on the other hand are a tad predictable. He normally appears in a comedy scene or a fight scene to start the movie. But Vetayadu Vilaiyadu was very different. The opening sequence and the song that follows it was a feast to my eyes. I have wanted to watch the movie again and again due to just these sequences. Gautham Menon did a fantastic job with this movie which redefined how "slick movies" had to be made.
- Dhanush's Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam - I loved this movie and I think this movie is a lesson in "how to make madcap enjoyable movies". This movie does not boast of any intellectual content. We know that right from the start. But the way the movie has been directed and Dhanush's thoroughly enjoyable role really provides wholesome entertainment. The movie has resurrected the career of Dhanush. This is the break that he must have been looking for a long time. Dhanush does not look hero material but that itself makes him the unlikely hero bringing about the yearning that all of us have of becoming heroes.
- The Fall of Vallavan - Lets face it. Vallavan was a horrible horrible movie. I never really understood what Simbu was trying to say. I am never adverse to seeing a good romantic scene, but the supposedly hot scenes between Simbu and Nayanthara were plain stupid and utterly childish. I cannot even bring myself to say "vulgar". This should make Simbu think on what sort of movies he should be acting and directing. He got away with Manmadhan, which was really not impressive at all. But the buck has stopped with Vallavan. Time to introspect and come up with better movies.
- The Rise of Bharath - Bharath has had a phenomenal year. Pattiyal was a hit. So was Em Mahan. Then there is Veyil, which is not exactly the best movie of the year, but boasted of a good performance from Bharath. He has come a long way from Boys. He was the 2nd or 3rd hero in Boys, when Siddharth was romancing Genelia. In Chennai Kadhal, according to me the worst movie title of 2006, he got to romance Genelia and how. He is the most important hope of Kollywood in 2007.
- The Sound of Music - Kollywood experimented with music in 2006. There was YSR with Pudhupettai giving us a totally different feel. GV Prakash's wonderful tunes in Veyil and Joshua Sridhar's Chennai Kadhal. Of course, Harris Jayaraj's VV, what with Manjal Veyil and Paartha Mudhal Naaley being chartbusters. How can one forget the King? King's Sillunnu Oru Kaathal showed just why he was the King and the others were leagues behind. New York Nagaram and Munbe Vaa just rocked. Hope this trend continues in 2007.
- Ceiling on Ticket Rates - The decision by the Tamil Nadu government to fix the maximum rates at which tickets could be sold to Rs 120 for multiplexes and Rs 50 for single screens is a welcome one. Sometimes I felt Mayajaal was just indulging in plain and open robbery by pricing tickets at Rs 200! Except for Superstar movies, I dont want to pay such money to watch regular and routine fare.
That was my list. What do you think of the list? Do you have a list of your own? Feel free to publish it.
Manoj
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